The End of the Affair
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Movie Reviews of The End of the Affair
Movie Review: Passion with ice in its veins...
Summary: 4 Stars
A beautiful, intelligent, and provocative rendering of Graham Greene's novel. Julianne Moore shines as Sarah, a woman married to a dull government worker, who makes a bargain with God to sacrifice love for a religion she has heretofore thwarted. Ralph Fiennes quietly smoulders as Ms. Moore's lover, a writer who shuns religion and seems to exist solely on the intensity of his hate. Stephen Rea gives a touching if somewhat pathetic performance as the cuckolded husband. Notice also that whenever he appears on screen, he's either standing out in the rain or coming in from the rain. I understand the metaphor but I do think it comes a little heavy-handed. Ian Hart also shines in a supporting role as the investigator hired to follow Ms. Moore.The images are haunting, some in particular will stay with you for a long time. Michael Nyman's score is also particularly gorgeous.
I'm giving this four stars because while the film overall is very involving, there is a certain element that remains detached. These aren't the most welcoming characters, and while one has sympathy for Sarah's dilemma you never really feel a warmth for her. And in the end, one wonders - is she some sort of saint with these amazing powers to heal? Still, with that said, I did find this film more emotionally involving than the novel upon which it is based.
All in all, a stunningly visual, finely wrought film with a terrific sense of period.
Movie Review: A Touching Film, One of 1999's Best
Summary: 4 Stars
Upon seeing this film in a quiet Culver City theater, it left an impression that was difficult to shake. Perhaps it was Michael Nyman's score, which is flowing with emotion from the onset of Columbia's torch bearing lady. Maybe it was the trio of wonderful performances from Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler's List, Strange Days), Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights, Safe, the upcoming Hannibal), and Neil Jordan perennial cast member, Stephen Rea (The Crying Game, The Butcher Boy). Ian Hart is also effective in a quaint detective role, serving as some kind of bystander to all the drama in the trio of lead characters.Jordan's commentary mirrors my feelings toward this piece; a story wrought with so much irony that the story is reduced to characters clinging to their memories and need for godliness in their empty lives. After their lust recedes, the need for depth arises. And this is where a bulk of the story takes place.
If you see this film and care to see a similar one, I highly recommend Atom Egoyan's "Exotica". Both have excellent mood evoking photography from Roger Pratt, BSC, and Paul Sarossy, CSC. They also have a similar theme of people finding redemption in the midst of their decline.
Movie Review: my review
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie is about a love story, told to the audience through the eyes of the lover, Maurice Bendrix (played by Ralph Fiennes). Sarah, (played by Julianne Moore) is the loved one and Henri (played by Stephen Rea) is the husband.It is true that for the first 40 minutes of this movie you sense that his is nothing else but a jealous's lovers account of their affair, and you start to wonder how it ended. The movie takes shape when you finally understand the reason for the breakup, and how Maurice reacts.
It is finally a great love story in all sense.
The movie tends to be dark but it is never slow. It moves along at a good speed so you can understand the different emotions all characters are feeling and why they act in a special way.
I tryly loved this movie. The sets and costumes and colors used all blend together to maket a very beautiful story. The actors are exceptional and not for one minute do you think they are not right for their roles.
Very good movie, excelent.
Movie Review: Romantically intriguing
Summary: 4 Stars
A highly recommendable romantic drama, The End of the Affair proved to be an indulging and intriguing film for audiences worldwide. It may not have got the Oscar success that Neil Jordan was hoping for, but it was a competitive year and The End of the Affair certainly got mentioned in other ceremonies (the Oscar's did give it 2 nominations, which is less than it deserves), which is refreshing. Anyway, on about the film. It has stunning performances, Ralph Fiennes is at his best, waltzing through jealousy with ultimate passion. Most notable though is the brilliant Julianne Moore, who captures Sarah's romantically unhappy side with grace. The script does have flaws - it gives no real explanation of why these 2 people would want to fall in love, but the literature and meaning have lots of quality to them. Nice costumes and beautiful cinematography added, and you have a very moving story that includes almost every human emotion possible.Movie Review: In hindsight
Summary: 4 Stars
While I sat in the theater watching "The End Of The Affair", I couldn't help but think that in a year of such great movies (Magnolia, American Beauty, The Straight Story, Malkovich, All About My Mother, etc, etc, etc), that The End Of The Affair just didn't stack up. Then halfway through, when my mind was already made up that I didn't like it, the bomb dropped. That changed everything.Not only was this bomb scene give the movie the coherency that it needed, it was one of the best shot scenes I've seen all year. After that, and the prayer, "Affair" just got better and better. In the end, sitting here, thinking about it, this was really one of the best of the year. It was no Magnolia, but I sure do want to see it one more time.
Buy or rent this one, be patient, and think about it. You'll enjoy it.